A Staffordshire businessman was allegedly kidnapped and held hostage for three hours during a bizarre kidnap ordeal.

The man, who is in his mid-20s, told police four men surrounded his silver sports car and forced him out of the vehicle while on a business trip in Essex. 

He was then led into another vehicle and driven around the Epping Forest for the next three hours before being released. 

He was unhurt but officers have said that he had been left “shaken” by his ordeal. 

Meanwhile, his car was driven away by one of his attackers but was later recovered.

The incident took place near a waste disposal site in Luxborough Lane, Chigwell, while the man was in the area on a business trip. 

The businessman had parked his car in the lane when he was allegedly kidnapped at around 10.30am on Tuesday.  

Three men from the London and Essex areas have since been arrested in connection with the inquiry and released on police bail pending further investigations. 

Police have refused to name the kidnap victim or reveal where in the county he is from. 

Staffordshire Police spokeswoman Carol Evans said that anyone with any information about the incident should call officers on 01785 218600.